8 Simple Ways to Pour Into Leaders

In the American church, we tend to think of leadership development as a classroom and curriculum-based process, but Jesus had a better idea: spend time with people. Jesus allowed His life to rub off on His chosen leaders and to pour His wisdom into them, and we can do the same. Sometimes it’s a matter of spotting the natural opportunities that come along while at other times, its an intentionally-planned conversation.

Here are some simple ways to make leadership development a part of your life…

Schedule three to five informal meetings per week – coffee, lunch, etc. – with people into whom you want to invest.

Take potential leaders on trips with you. I’ve heard great leaders talk about the mentoring power of never traveling alone. My Worship Pastor calls it “windshield time.”

If you’re a Pastor, take a partner as you do pastoral care – hospital visits, etc. Just the time in the car on the way is a great opportunity.

Buy and send books to leaders. I’ve received and given books that have shaped who I am.

Check in with a phone call. Have a list of potential leaders into whom you’re pouring, and randomly call them once a month or so.

Convene conversations. Gather leaders who aspire to be involved in the things you’ve spent your life doing and let them connect with each other.

Listen. Pouring into leaders doesn’t mean doing all the talking. It often means lending an ear in a tough moment.

Connect leaders to other leaders. It’s powerful when we say, “here’s a friend of mine you need to connect with.”

I can’t begin to thank God enough for the leaders He has placed in my life as mentors, friends, and coaches. I’m sometimes blown away by the graciousness of those who will pour into me.

We recently ran an article on Pastors.com by Pastor Rick Warren on how every Pastor needs a mentor. I was surprised at the feedback when Pastors said they had a hard time finding someone who would make time available to another leader. Never get caught up in getting your own business done that you fail to pour into other leaders. It’s the Jesus way, the apostolic communion, and the future hope of the church.

I have found that the best way to pour into people who are leaders or could potentially be a leader is to spend time with them DURING ministry. If you are a leader you should be a participatory leader. By being there, without tasks, you will find incidental “training” moments and they feel like you care about what they are doing. It is also a fantastic opportunity to get questions and give public pats on the back. Your job as a leader is to lead them from where they are and if you don’t know where they are, how then will you know how to lead them. It is profoundly simple. Celebrate with them about the amazing things they are doing. Rejoice with them because they listened to the almighty God. Encourage them because they will need it. Thank you.

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